Autumn Graphics Selects KODAK FLEXCEL NX Wide System to Expand with New U.S. Operation

Company’s third FLEXCEL NX System powers ongoing growth

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ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 29 --

As one of the earliest users of KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plate technology, Autumn Graphics has leveraged the unique capabilities of the system to expand its customer base and grow into new services. Autumn Graphics installed its first FLEXCEL NX System in London, Ontario, in 2008 and added a FLEXCEL NX Wide System in 2010. Now, The company is installing another FLEXCEL NX Wide System, which includes the new KODAK FLEXCEL NX Wide-C Imager, in its new U.S. operation, Autumn Graphics U.S. Inc., in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

“The flexo technology from Kodak has been a real cornerstone of our operation,” said Ben Abray, President of Autumn Graphics. “We’ve built a very dynamic, differentiated business that includes the ability of the FLEXCEL NX System to drive significant on-press production efficiencies and a level of quality that is unsurpassed. Our clients look to us to provide the best value for the cost—to help them improve productivity and increase profitability. That means delivering plates that perform consistently and processes that optimize the performance of the press.”

Autumn Graphics is consistently at the forefront of technology, as a regular KODAK Product beta partner for new product development, and is already one of the largest global users of FLEXCEL NX Plates. The company is purchasing this third device, and is establishing the Northwest Arkansas organization, to better serve its existing U.S. client base, continue its plan for growth and add capacity to its growing international operation.

“For more than 30 years, we have been committed to investing in the best technology, delivering outstanding customer service and meeting the changing needs of our clients,” added Abray. “Kodak has played a critical role in our evolution and in the flexographic industry as a whole. The FLEXCEL NX Plate technology is one of the key tools that we use, along with how we run our business, to assist our customers in achieving their goals in a very competitive packaging environment.”

The new FLEXCEL NX Wide-C Imager is the latest platform in the FLEXCEL NX System product range. Developed specifically for users that have need for a maximum plate size of 42ʺ x 60ʺwith a compact footprint, the device is designed with the operator in mind, incorporating new loading features and full support for the imaging of KODAK FLEXCEL NX Thermal Imaging Layer and KODAK DITR Film.

The consistency, plate dot structure and high densities delivered by the FLEXCEL NX System enable print efficiencies that include faster start-up times, reduced waste, longer plate life and reduction in the number of print stations required per job. In addition, the full tonal range, high contrast and bright, clean colors allow prepress service providers and converters to compete for business traditionally beyond the capabilities of flexo. The system provides to clients both the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of flexo with the quality normally expected from offset or gravure printing.

“Since FLEXCEL NX Technology became commercially available almost five years ago, we have been able to significantly transform the perception and performance of flexographic printing,” noted Dr. John Anderson, Kodak’s Packaging Segment Sales & Product Marketing Director, United States and Canada. “Kodak’s culture of innovation extends from workflow and prepress to digital, offset and flexo printing. Our customers around the world continue to grow, relying on us to develop cutting-edge solutions like the FLEXCEL NX Systems to fuel their success.”

Autumn Graphics Ltd. is an independent, privately owned Canadian company providing pre-media production, plate production and graphics management services to consumer product companies, converters, printers and advertising agencies. The company was built on a foundation of business integrity and production excellence. It continues to invest in research and development, technology, people, processes and to secure the ongoing success of its customers.

Operations Manager Joe Muller will lead the production team at the new U.S. domestic organization, Autumn Graphics U.S. Inc. Joe has been involved in the FLEXCEL NX Plate Technology since the beginning and has been helping support the technology at Autumn Graphics Ltd. for the last six years. “We are excited about having Joe and his experience on our team. We look forward to growing our business out of Northwest Arkansas as we continue to evolve as an international supplier to the packaging market,” added Abray.

About Commercial Imaging

Kodak’s Commercial Imaging business is driving innovation and change for customers in commercial, packaging and functional printing, and enterprise services markets. Kodak’s intelligent technologies and solutions provide customers greater competitive advantage and return on investment. For more information, visit graphics.kodak.com.